Inside "8 for '28” Dem Nominee Power Rankings, and Transforming Arkansas, with Gov. Huckabee Sanders

Mark Halperin kicks off today’s episode with the debut of his landmark new segment, “8 for ’28,” unveiling his deeply reported insider power rankings of the Democrats most likely to win their party’s 2028 presidential nomination. He walks through all of the top contenders — why Gavin Newsom sits at #1, what sets Josh Shapiro apart, and how Pete Buttigieg and Kamala Harris fit into a constantly shifting landscape. Mark breaks down the strengths, secret advantages, vulnerabilities, and political dynamics shaping this early field, using his decades of experience and fresh reporting to explain who actually has a path and why.

He then shifts to the second four, examining the structural challenges and political pressures that may keep this group from breaking through in a crowded 2028 field. It’s a comprehensive, candid look at how insiders are handicapping the next Democratic nominee long before anyone officially enters the race.

Mark is then joined by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders for an in-depth conversation about the forces reshaping Arkansas. She reflects on how her high school experience has influenced her policy approach, why raising teacher pay has positioned Arkansas as a magnet for top educators, and how Walmart, energy innovation, and major employers are powering economic momentum across the state.

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